Midwest Clinic

Congratulations to the members of the North High Wind Ensemble who participated in the 2006 Midwest Clinic as a Rehearsal Lab Ensemble. The Midwest Clinic (www.midwestclinic.org) is the largest gathering of instrumental music teachers, conductors, composers, bands, orchestras, professional musicians and music industry representatives in the world. Held every December in Chicago, the Midwest Clinic annually draws in excess of 12,000 conference attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries. 2006 is the 60th Annual Midwest Clinic, and the conference features over 30 concerts and 50 instructional clinics.

Steve Peterson Clinic

In preparation for the Wind Ensemble's participation in the 2006 Midwest Clinic, Dr. Stephen Peterson of Ithaca College worked with the band on Thursday, Dec. 21st.

Band Leadership Holiday Party

This afternoon Kristen and I, along with Mr. & Mrs. Miller, hosted the annual Band Leadership Holiday Party. Making her first appearance this year was Penny, our new West Highland Terrier. Thanks, Rania, for helping Penny dress the part of the Grinch's dog. (Wait ... what does that make me?!)

Volunteer Brass Quintet - Polar Express

A volunteer brass-quintet, organized by senior Keith Rhoades, performed for hundreds of children outside the Downers Grove Train Station on Saturday. "The Polar Express," sponsored by the Downers Grove Park District, annually takes Downers Grove area children to the North Pole (a.k.a. the Aurora Metra Station) to see Santa Clause.

Thanks to Keith (French Horn), Rusty (Trombone), Austin (Trumpet, Kevin (Tuba) and Al (trumpet) for braving the elements and representing our school in such a fine manner!